Contributing Firms:
In this issue we look at how the traditional roles of the accountant and the tax advisor, seen respectively as primarily compliance and primarily strategy/planning, are being brought closer together as a result of the fast-evolving tax environment. Other topics covered include SMEs, stablecoin and latest developments in the areas of WHT and VAT.
The panel look at the complementary roles of the accountant and the tax advisor and the interplay of both skillsets in successful modern tax practices. The best of Budget 2026 for Ireland’s SME’s also features with stamp duty and R&D changes put forward amongst the highlights, Budget changes for aircraft leasing businesses also features. The rise in prominence of stablecoins is analysed, in particular what this could mean for corporate tax planning and the treasury function. The EU’s FASTER has prompted a national level review of Ireland’s WHT regime and the panel look at what the new rules will mean for companies and investors. while the panel also looks at ‘the most substantial reform of VAT administration in over 50-years’ – the introduction of Ireland’s e-invoicing scheme.
The combination of accounting, legal and indeed economics expertise needed in the business of tax advisory is foundational in the success of all tax practices, certainly those run by Irish accountancy firms, and to an increasing extent, law firms. Could you comment on the observation that the primary job of accountants is to enable taxpayers to pay their taxes, while that of tax planning advisers is to provide forward facing advice, drawing from the insights provided by the above disciplines, on how taxpayers can mitigate their tax burdens?
Looking back at Budget 2026, and the Finance Bill from a ‘glass half full’ (i.e. positive) perspective what were the most positive measures (i.e. likely to be effective) affecting SME businesses? (Please rank them, if you choose to mention more than one). (Please exclude sector specific measures, e.g. the VAT reductions in the hospitality sector, and the VAT on apartments reduction to benefit housebuyers).
Stablecoins, and other cryptocurrency innovations on both sides of the Atlantic promise to be highly relevant to corporate financial officers, notably those engaged in international trade and treasury operations. With US legislation on the table, resulting already in questioning as to the future tax treatment of Stablecoin assets on both sides of the Atlantic what considerations should corporate tax planners be considering at this moment in time?
As announced by Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe in his Budget speech a joint public consultation on Ireland’s withholding tax system will soon be launched ‘to explore opportunities to modernise and digitalise them and further expand their scope.’ In your view what should be done to improve Ireland’s withholding tax rules?
The Revenue Commissioner’s recently published pathway to VAT modernisation is part of its strategic plan ‘to redesign VAT administration to better integrate with normal business processes, thereby reducing compliance costs for tax-compliant businesses while enhancing Revenue’s capacity to combat fraud.’ How significant are the changes outlined in the Pathway and what impact will they have in how Irish businesses administer VAT?
The Finance Bill introduces amendments to Section 840A in relation to the treatment of interest which will be of interest to the aircraft leasing sector. What are the amendments and their likely impact?
Tax Analysis – Opinion:The combination of accounting, legal and indeed economics expertise needed in the business of tax advisory is foundational in the success of all tax practices, certainly those run by Irish accountancy firms, and to an increasing extent, law firms. Could you comment on the observation that the primary job of accountants is to enable taxpayers to pay their taxes, while that of tax planning advisers is to provide forward facing advice, drawing from the insights provided by the above disciplines, on how taxpayers can mitigate their tax burdens?
Budget 2026 – Best Overall Business Supporting measure: Looking back at Budget 2026, and the Finance Bill from a ‘glass half full’ (i.e. positive) perspective what were the most positive measures (i.e. likely to be effective) affecting SME businesses? (Please rank them, if you choose to mention more than one). (Please exclude sector specific measures, e.g. the VAT reductions in the hospitality sector, and the VAT on apartments reduction to benefit housebuyers).
Stablecoins: Stablecoins, and other cryptocurrency innovations on both sides of the Atlantic promise to be highly relevant to corporate financial officers,notably those engaged in international trade and treasury operations. With US legislation on the table, resulting already in questioning as to the future tax treatment of Stablecoin assets on both sides of the Atlantic what considerations should corporate tax planners be considering at this moment in time?
Withholding taxes: As announced by Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe in his Budget speech a joint public consultation on Ireland's withholding tax system will soon be launched 'to explore opportunities to modernise and digitalise them and further expand their scope.' In your view what should be done to improve Ireland's withholding tax rules?
Reforms in the Irish VAT system: The Revenue Commissioner's recently published pathway to VAT modernisation is part of its strategic plan 'to redesign VAT administration to better integrate with normal business processes, thereby reducing compliance costs for tax-compliant businesses while enhancing Revenue’s capacity to combat fraud.' How significant are the changes outlined in the Pathway and what impact will they have in how Irish businesses administer VAT?
Aircraft Leasing: The Finance Bill introduces amendments to Section 840A in relation to the treatment of interest which will be of interest to the aircraft leasing sector. What are the amendments and their likely impact?